About the ABC Program

The challenges facing our ecosystems and animal populations are changing faster than ever. For over 20 years, one of Hunter’s premier graduate programs has trained forward-thinking scientists, researchers, and applied practitioners equipped to bridge rigorous behavioral research with wildlife conservation and applied animal behavior across diverse settings.

The Animal Behavior & Conservation (ABC) program at Hunter College offers a 36-credit Master of Arts degree and a 15-credit Advanced Certificate. Based in New York City, the program combines rigorous academic training, faculty mentorship, and research opportunities to prepare graduates for careers and advanced study in animal behavior, cognition, conservation, and welfare.

Our faculty are recognized for their contributions to these fields, providing students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to address today’s most pressing challenges facing animals and ecosystems.

Hunter college campus in the springtime is framed by a blooming tree

Programs of Study

Master of Arts (MA) in ABC

36 Credits | 2 Years

A comprehensive graduate degree combining rigorous scientific training with specialized preparation through one of two pathways:

  • Thesis Track: Faculty-mentored research designed for students pursuing doctoral study and research careers.
  • Internship Track: Professional field experience and an evidence-based capstone designed for students pursuing applied careers in animal behavior, cognition, welfare, and conservation.
Explore the MA Program

Advanced Certificate in ABC

15 Credits | 1 Years

A streamlined, specialized curriculum ideal for practicing industry professionals looking to integrate rigorous behavioral literacy into their careers—or for those new to the field seeking a focused, graduate-level foundation.

Explore the Certificate Program

Program Learning Objectives

Whether pursuing advanced research or applied professional roles, every graduate of the ABC MA program develops mastery across four core domains:

  • Knowledge Base in the Field of Animal Behavior and Conservation. Students acquire knowledge of key concepts and principles and overarching themes in animal behavior, animal cognition, conservation psychology/biology, animal welfare science, comparative psychology, and research methods. Students acquire credentials for employment in fields related to ABC.
  • Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking. Students learn to reason scientifically, gain scientific literacy skills, process statistical information, and learn to interpret and design studies in animal behavior and cognition.
  • Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World. Students learn to apply ethical standards in conducting and evaluating psychological and behavioral research, build and enhance interpersonal relationships, and adopt values that build community at local, national and international levels.
  • Communication. Students learn communication skills to disseminate research findings and to apply psychological content and skills to a range of career goals, exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation, develop and refine project management skills, enhance their teamwork capacity and develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.

Learn More

Quick Overview

Watch a 4-minute snapshot video

Program Deep Dive

Each fall, we host a Virtual Program Information Session that covers:

  • Programs: Master’s vs. Certificate
  • MA Tracks: Thesis vs. Internship
  • Faculty Research & Highlights
  • Admissions Process & Requirements
  • Live Audience Q&A

Join us for our next session in Fall 2026, or view our 2025 recording (45 min).

Watch 2025 Session Recording